Lighting System Animation on Mechanical Gaming Reels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical slot machines face limitations in providing enhanced excitement without deviating from their traditional concept, as they lack the rich graphical and animated features offered by video gaming machines.
Innovation Solution
The method involves illuminating specific symbols on spinning mechanical reels using a lighting system to create a sequence of brief illuminations, simulating animation and giving the appearance of stopped motion, which when combined, produces an animation effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical reels are used in traditional slot machines, then the original mechanical gaming concept is maintained, but the ability to provide rich graphical and animated features is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A lighting system acts as an intermediary between the mechanical reel structure and the desired animation effect. The lighting system includes multiple light sources positioned around the reel circumference that can be independently controlled to illuminate specific symbols at specific times, creating animation illusions without modifying the mechanical reel itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical animation mechanisms (which would require complex moving parts) with an optical system. Instead of physically moving or transforming reel components to create animation, the system uses controlled illumination of static symbols on the spinning reel to create the visual perception of animation
2Adaptability or versatility
If video depictions of spinning reels are used, then rich graphical and animated features are provided, but the traditional mechanical slot machine concept is replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates visual copies of video reel animation effects using physical mechanical reels. By strategically illuminating specific symbols on the mechanical reel during rotation, the system reproduces the appearance of animated video sequences while maintaining the authentic mechanical spinning reel experience
3Illumination intensity
If symbols are illuminated while the mechanical reel is spinning, then the appearance of animation is produced, but the lighting system must precisely control illumination timing and position
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the position and rotation speed of the mechanical reel, providing real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback enables the lighting system to dynamically adjust illumination timing and duration based on the actual reel state, ensuring precise symbol illumination despite variations in reel speed or position
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the gaming experience by creating the illusion of animation on mechanical reels, maintaining player interest without replacing the original mechanical gaming machine concept.
Implementation Method 1
directing light from a lighting system onto the first symbol for a designated amount of time while the mechanical reel is spinning
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing animation on a gaming machine having mechanical reels is disclosed. The method comprises spinning at least one mechanical reel, and illuminating a first symbol on the spinning mechanical reel, wherein the lighting system directs light onto the first symbol for a designated amount of time while the mechanical reel is spinning. A second symbol on the spinning reel is then illuminated, and combined effect of illuminating the first and second symbols while the mechanical reel is spinning is to produce the appearance of animation.